Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at The University of Western Australia prepares students to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Ideal for students who are passionate about social justice, human rights, and community wellbeing, the program combines academic learning with extensive practical experience to develop confident and capable social work professionals.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a foundation in social work, psychology, human behaviour, and social sciences. They explore the social, cultural, economic, and political factors that influence wellbeing while developing essential communication and interpersonal skills for professional practice.

Year 2

The second year focuses on social work theory, ethics, human rights, and social justice. Students learn how to understand social issues, support diverse populations, and apply evidence-informed approaches when working with individuals, families, and communities.

Year 3

In the third year, students strengthen their professional practice skills through advanced social work methods and applied learning. They begin connecting theory with practice and develop the knowledge required to respond effectively to complex social and community challenges.

Year 4

The final year focuses on advanced professional practice and career readiness. Students complete units such as Social Work Methods 4: Advanced Evidence-Based Practice, Social Work Methods 5: Consolidating Theory and Practice, Field Education 2: Final Placement, and Legal and Organisational Contexts for Social Work Practice. They also undertake honours research through Social Work Honours Proposal and Social Work Honours Project while completing extensive field placements that strengthen their professional capabilities.

Focus Areas

Social work practice, social justice, human rights, community development, social policy, counselling, advocacy, mental health, family support, public health, ethical practice, evidence-based intervention, and field education.

Learning Outcomes

Develop the ability to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities; apply social work values and ethics within a human rights framework; analyse social issues and human behaviour; conduct research and evidence-based practice; communicate professionally across diverse settings; and contribute to positive social change through effective intervention and advocacy.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) is provisionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and is designed to meet Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards. This supports graduates seeking professional social work practice in Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Social work continues to be an area of strong employment demand across Australia, with opportunities available in health, welfare, community services, education, and government sectors. The program includes 1,000 hours of professional placement experience, ensuring graduates gain substantial real-world experience before entering the workforce.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at UWA is built around practical, real-world learning. Throughout the degree, students combine classroom study with extensive field education, case-based learning, community engagement, and evidence-based practice. This approach helps students develop the confidence and professional skills needed to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Students gain valuable hands-on experience through supervised placements and practice-focused units that connect theory with professional social work practice. This practical learning is supported by UWA's strong industry links, research expertise, and professional training opportunities:

Complete 1,000 hours of supervised field education placements across a range of community and human service organisations
Undertake Field Education 1: First Placement and Field Education 2: Final Placement, applying classroom knowledge in real social work settings
Learn through practice-based scenarios, case studies, and evidence-informed approaches that reflect contemporary social work practice
Develop professional skills through units such as SW Methods 2: Relational Practices for Working with People, SW Methods 3: Participatory Practices for Working with People, Social Work Methods 4: Advanced Evidence-Based Practice, and Social Work Methods 5: Consolidating Theory and Practice
Explore areas such as mental health, vulnerable populations, social justice, and anti-oppressive practice through specialised units
Build research and analytical skills through the Social Work Honours Proposal and Social Work Honours Project
Access extensive library resources, academic databases, journals, and research materials that support social work education and professional development
Study within a program aligned with Australian social work professional standards and developed in consultation with industry
Benefit from flexible learning opportunities available across Perth, Albany, online delivery, and regional Western Australia learning hubs
Gain placement experience in areas such as community services, mental health, family support, child protection, justice, public policy, and social welfare sectors

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) are equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. With strong foundations in social justice, human rights, advocacy, and evidence-based practice, graduates are prepared for rewarding careers across a wide range of human service settings. Typical career pathways include Social Worker, Child Protection Officer, Mental Health Practitioner, Community Development Officer, Family Support Worker, Policy Advisor, and Welfare Services Coordinator.

The program combines professional knowledge with extensive practical experience, helping students transition confidently into the workforce:

Access UWA Careers and Employability services, including career consultations, employability workshops, networking events, volunteering opportunities, and job-search support
Complete 1,000 hours of supervised field placements across a variety of social service settings, gaining substantial professional experience before graduation
Study within a program developed in consultation with industry to ensure graduates develop skills aligned with current workplace needs
Benefit from strong employment demand across health, welfare, community services, government, and non-profit sectors
Graduate with a degree that is provisionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and aligned with Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards
Pursue opportunities in areas such as mental health, child protection, family support, domestic violence services, justice, community development, public policy, and social welfare
Social work graduates commonly begin their careers with salaries of approximately AUD 70,000–85,000 per year, with opportunities for progression as experience and expertise grow

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programs in advanced social work, mental health practice, child protection, community services, or related fields. The honours qualification also provides a strong pathway into doctoral research, allowing graduates to pursue a PhD and contribute to research, policy development, and academic leadership within the social work profession.